Cyber Monday in Effect, Buyers Beware

Consumers shop from the comfort of their PC

Tools

By
Monique Williams

Story Created:
Nov 26, 2012 at 6:14 PM EST

Story Updated:
Nov 26, 2012 at 6:25 PM EST

IRMO, S.C. (WOLO) -- From the mall on Black Friday to Main Street for Small Business Saturday to the mainframe of your computer, Cyber Monday is in full swing. However, experts warn you to be careful when clicking on mouse and heed safety tips.

According to experts, this is the first year retailers predict a majority of people who shop for the holiday season will do some of it online. Melody Williams already knows this to be true.

"I'll be online all day. Most sales are all day."

She's on a Cyber Monday mission and, with a budget of $300, she has a plan.

"I need to get back to Amazon. My son loves books."

Budget set, eyes glued to the computer, keyboard blazin,' she plans to take advantage of steals and deals on what retailers claim to be the online version of Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Going viral with a plan is what retails experts advise. While warehouse workers pick, pull and pack items bought online, experts say the average consumer will spend $750 holiday shopping via the Internet, and more of them this year for the first time.

"This year we expect 52% of people shopping for the holidays will buy at least something online," said University of South Carolina retail expert, Karen Edwards.

Melody Williams believes doing so is the perfect alternative to long lines, crazy traffic and temper tantrums, even if they're coming from her own kids.

"My life is chaotic. Don't put me in a box and give me two hours. That's why I like Cyber Monday so I can do what I need to do for the entire day."

From the looks of it, she had it all in the cyber bag.

Things to keep in mind so you can shop safely online: be extra careful about logging on to sites that are unfamiliar; make sure your online passwords are strong; when you order, try to get free shipping; and be careful how much online shopping you do at the office.

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